First, His Vindication of himself, Ministers are bound not only to look to their Consciences, but also to their Credits. Naturalists tell us, if the Load-stone be rubbed with Garlic, it loseth its virtue; When the name of a Minister is contemptible, his Doctrine will be the less acceptable. The Apostle vindicateth himself. 1. As to the Integrity of his life, ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility and with many tears. verse 18. and 19. 'Tis excellent when the Pastor can appeal to the consciences of his people for the purity of his conversation. Holy Ministers are called Angels, Rev. 2. but unholy ones are degenerated into Devils, have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devil. 2. As to his fidelity in his Doctrine, And how I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, ⟨p. 3⟩and have taught you publicly and from house to house. vers. 20. The Steward is faithful who distributeth to every person under his charge, their proper and peculiar portion.1 The symbol of Wolfius will become every Preacher. Pietate & labour. By a sacred life, and sedulous labour, he will best declare his love to his people. Ministers must be stars by the influence of their lips feeding, by the regular motion of their lives confirming, and by the light of both directing many, Paul magnified his Office, why should others debase it?
First, His Vindication of himself, Ministers are bound not onely to look to their Consciences, but also to their Credits. Naturalists tell us, if the Load-stone be rub'd with Garlick, it loseth its vertue; When the name of a Minister is contemptible, his Doctrine will be the less acceptable. The Apostle vindicateth himself. 1. As to the Integrity of his life, ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility and with many tears. verse 18. and 19. 'Tis excellent when the Pastor can appeal to the consciences of his people for the purity of his conversation. Holy Ministers are called Angels, Rev. 2. but unholy ones are degenerated into Devils, have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devil. 2. As to his fidelity in his Doctrine, And how I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, ⟨p. 3⟩and have taught you publiquely and from house to house. vers. 20. The Steward is faithful who distributeth to every person under his charge, their proper and peculiar portion.1 The symbole of Wolfius will become every Preacher. Pietate & labore. By a sacred life, and sedulous labour, he will best declare his love to his people. Ministers must be stars by the influence of their lips feeding, by the regular motion of their lives confirming, and by the light of both directing many, Paul magnified his Office, why should others debase it?
- 1Melch. Ad.
